Welcome to High 5 at Hanging Rock!

All about the event

To raise funds to support Hanging Rock and Pilot Mountain state parks, The Friends of Sauratown Mountains is sponsoring the first annual High 5 at Hanging Rock. Participants will trek over ten miles of park trails to reach five of the highest elevations within Hanging Rock State Park. They will summit Moore's Knob, Cooks Wall and Hanging Rock mountains and pass by two prominent rock outcrops, Wolf Rock and House Rock, along their journey. Due to the length, change in elevation and trail conditions, this will be a strenuous hike or run and will test everyone's physical abilities.

THIS EVENT IS NOT A RACE. A clock will be located at the start/finish line, but the event will not record or publish times. There are no prizes for times. All finishers will receive a special commemorative patch. All hikers/runners must register regardless of age. The event is not recommended for children less than 10.

DATE: The challenge will be held Saturday April 6, 2019 rain or shine. If the event is canceled due to extreme weather, participants will be given free entry in the 2020 event.

TIME: Onsite registration and packet pick up will begin at 7AM. Runners depart at 8AM, hikers will begin 5-10 minutes later in groups at 5 minute intervals. All hikers must be on the course by 8:45.

LOCATION: The event will start and finish at the upper parking lot at Hanging Rock State Park (1790 Hanging Rock Park Road, Danbury, NC 27016). Once you enter the park gate, follow the road to the top (end). The start will be at the bath house located on the far right side of the parking lot. Please carpool if possible to ease parking issues. Preferred parking is in the upper lot with the start. Overflow parking is in the visitor center lot.

COST: Advance Registration is $30 per person and ends on Wednesday April 3 at midnight. After the close of advance registration, the cost increases to $40 per person.

REGISTRATION: Click on the link above to access online registration or mail in registration.

SUPPORT: There will be two water/rest stops on the route as well as some course marshals to assist participants. Please try to be self sufficient as supplies may be limited. This is a challenging course, so train and plan accordingly. Support will end at 3 PM. If hikers do not reach certain check points by a reasonable time, they will be asked to return to the finish area by an alternate (shorter) route (details to come).

FOOD: There will be food trucks at the finish. All participants will receive a $5 voucher that can be used at the food truck of your choice. There will be snacks and water/energy drinks at the finish line as well.

SHIRTS: Participants registering before March 23 at midnight will receive a commemorative event t-shirt and patch. Later registrants may receive or buy shirts if the supply lasts.

DOGS: No dogs will be allowed on the run event. Dogs will be permitted with hikers if the owner takes responsibility for the dog and keeps them on a leash that is no longer than 6 feet during the event. Hikers wanting to take a dog along must pay a $15 registration fee for the animal that includes a free bandana for your pet. All dogs must have the proper vaccines (including rabies) to be in a public setting with other pets. Owners of dogs at the event must also sign the dog waiver.

EARLY PACKET PICKUP: We will have early packet pickup at a designated location on Friday April 5, 2019. Location and times to be determined.

About Us

Friends of Sauratown Mountains has been supporting Hanging Rock & Pilot Mountain State Parks since 2010. We are the state designated 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides both financial and volunteer support to our two state parks. We help build & maintain trails, volunteer in the visitor centers, participate in the adopt a highway program, lead hikes, and advocate at local and state levels for our two great State Parks. We also partner with other organizations and businesses that are committed to outdoor recreation and environmental education. Our mission is to preserve and protect the Sauratown Mountains for future generations. We currently have 240 members: Join us and be a part of helping preserve our beautiful mountain range!